Sami Ryhanen eager to avoid Braehead Clan play-off date

Forward Sami Ryhanen says Nottingham Panthers must do all they can to finish second, despite having no realistic chance of Elite League title glory.

Panthers won 4-3 at Fife on Sunday to complete another weekend win double.

Belfast look set to win the league and although Sheffield are second, Panthers could pip their arch rivals and avoid Braehead in the play-off quarters.

Ryhanen said: "We definitely don't want to go to Braehead. It's a long trip and they've been playing good against us."

The Finnish forward added: "We want to finish second if we can.

"Every game is important. We have to try to win all our games [to get ready] for the Challenge Cup and the play-offs," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Panthers edged out Fife Flyers on the road on Sunday thanks to goals from Brandon Benedict, Matt Francis, Matthew Myers and Rob Lachowicz. That followed an impressive 6-3 home success over Cardiff Devils on Saturday.